The 32 year-old, who has 33 wins from 39 on an impressive fight C.V spanning almost a decade, has been getting to work with Evangelou as ‘The Flash’ prepares for his imminent rematch with Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor’ on March 9.
Evangelou, 27, controversially lost for the first time professionally against Connor last September over ten rounds at Alexandra Palace and Theophane believes that the Enfield fighter has the right attitude to overturn the result next month.
“Losing is part of boxing,” Theophane told World Boxing News. “Even though Chris’s loss was controversial where many people saw him clearly winning, some things are meant to happen.
“It has made him hungrier for success and that is a good thing. He took positives from the negative situation he was in.”
Both fighters have trained together on more than one occasion in the past and Theophane can see Evangelou’s improvements as he heads into the most important fight of his career.
“I first sparred Chris in the lead up to my British title win over Lenny Daws,” explained Theophane. “We have sparred a few times since and he has improved. He is still young though, so he is far from the finished article.
“I’m probably at my best right now so sparring me is beneficial for him and can only bring him on.
“I’ve sparred nine world champions in my career to date so I bring that experience and confidence to the ring. I’ve sparred good fighters like Yuri Foreman, Joan Guzman, Elio Rojas and Paul Malignaggi. I learned from each of those sessions just like I’m sure Chris learns from me.
“Chris is hard working and dedicated already. He just has to stay that way throughout his career and keep adding to his arsenal.
“Perseverance and being resilient will get most athletes to their chosen destination. Ishe Smith is the perfect example to any fighter who has lost. You just have to keep at it. Ishe is now a world champion. Anything is possible and I wish Chris the best!”
On his own next move, Theophane has high hopes after claiming two straight victories on the back of his loss to Darren Hamilton and admits that he has turned down some approaches already as he looks for high-profile bouts.
“I won my fight in December in Luxembourg which was a great way to end 2012 and I’ve been in training for the last six weeks at All Stars Boxing club and I’m in good shape,” he said.
“There has been some fight offers but nothing juicy to sink my teeth into. June is my 10th Anniversary as a professional fighter and my next fight is my 40th, so 2013 is important to me.
“2010 was my best year as a professional so I’m looking to fight guys of Danny Garcia, DeMarcus Corley and Delvin Rodriguez’s calibre,” added Theophane.
Thanks to Paul Shattock for correspondence.
